What we've been up to these days

Other than making breakfast on Easter morning with Nana, Chef Emily has been busy practicing softball, reading every chance she gets (she even mentioned aspiring to be a librarian someday), writing poems (even at 11 pm when she wakes up and has an idea for one), preparing for middle school (choosing electives and getting a fun booster shot), and preparing for a special Chorus concert tonight.

And she's been holding this guy non-stop when she's home...

Lilly has been threatening to drink Easter dye (just kidding...doesn't it look like it in this picture though?!), admiring Baby Avery, and is working on potty training.

And she's been giving this guy kisses non-stop...

Cameron has been putting his hands right into the Easter egg dye, looking forward to being a big 3rd grader, playing with his "dudes" in the neighborhood, and getting excited to turn 8.

And he's been talking about how cute this little guy is...

Dillon has been working on getting ready for Kindergarten, having fun in preschool, and losing his first tooth (It's literally lost somewhere in Nana and G-daddy's grass.)

And he's been telling his little brother all the things he needs to know...

Life is busy, but it is GOOD! Little Avery is heavenly!

It's a Boy!

Avery Thomas Benoit

born on St. Patrick's Day! March 17th, 7:45 am

6 lbs 5 oz, 18.5 inches long

Here are some quick pictures for now:

We're all loving this little guy! Now, to go get some sleep.... More to come soon!

If you love Girl Scout cookies...

You must make these!!!

After we got a few boxes of Girl Scout cookies that lasted maybe 2 days with all of us munching on them, I said to Joe there has got to be a recipe online that someone has come up with for Girl Scout cookies. Specifically I wanted to make something similar to Samoas, my all time favorite! Something about that combo of coconut, caramel, and chocolate. Yum! (Yes, this is definitely a pregnant woman talking!)

I found a link on how to make the Samoas cookies. The cookies look quite complicated and since I was just going for taste, I liked their alternative to make Samoas cookie bars. I just made them last night for Joe's team at work. They are unbelievable, and I am making another batch today for us.

Here's the link for the recipe: http://bakingbites.com/2009/02/homemade-girl-scout-cookies-samoas-bars/

My one discovery in making these was that it was hard to dip the bottom of the bars in the chocolate. The coconut/caramel topping was starting to separate from the shortbread crust and it was getting messy. My solution: I just held the bar over the bowl of chocolate and used a spoon to slather it on the bottom. I used a plastic bag to pipe out the melted chocolate to drizzle the top.

I also see links to other Girl Scout cookie recipes. I'm sure they must be just as good! Happy baking!!!

Ch-ch-ch-changes

Isn't it amazing how life goes along in a same-old, same-old way and then all of a sudden a lot of things start changing all at once? Well, within 2 days I found out that Dillon's very far-sighted and that it was time for Emily to get braces (although I knew that one was coming). Here's Dillon sporting his new glasses....

They weren't my favorite frames he tried on, but he liked these the best and they were the most comfortable for him. The lenses are so thick. :( I picked them up right before he was done with preschool, and the whole ride home he kept saying things like, "Hey, I can see those trees now!" "I can see that house now." "Lilly has more hair!" It's really amazing. I'm so glad he has a few months to adjust to them before Kindergarten starts. I think he looks so cute!

Emily just got her braces today! Sore but kind of cool and exciting at the same time. :)

Lilly is also talking away! Her language is exploding and I couldn't be happier after experiencing toddler/preschool life with 2 boys who didn't have this explosion so early. I love hearing her talk! She can now say Emily, Cameron, Dillon, and Lilly clearly. That's a lot of L's to pronounce. She called Emily "Emmay" and Dillon "Di Di" for a long time. She never really attempted Cameron or Lilly. Every day there is something new she says. "I love you" is my favorite.

Cameron is our only constant around here. I can't think of any big changes for him. Just has his infectious smile and non-stop energy still. He did get daddy to cut a semi-mohawk the last time he got his haircut.

Speaking of changes, I'm 37 weeks and getting close. Our life is about to really change!!! I'm so anxious to find out if this is a boy or girl now.

Dillon's Star Wars Birthday Party...a little late!

Dillon turned 5 earlier in January and we had a fun Star Wars birthday party. His birthday comes at a strange time. We've just cleaned up from Christmas and my motivation to plan anything is low. However, then I realize I just have to get to work. He's been wanting a Star Wars party for a while. Thanks to the wonderful ideas on the Internet, he had quite a fun themed party. Happy #5 Dillon!!! Coloring our Star Wars favorites

Darth Vader cupcakes with a surprise inside

Star Wars Bingo

Build your own Star Wars Lego ship

Make your own R2D2 - a BIG hit!

Treats like "Yoda Soda" and red/blue chocolate covered pretzel rods to be Lightsabers - another big hit!

Lots of Star Wars-loving friends!

SNOW!

This is Lilly getting ready for the snow. She was puttting on winter hats and saying, "Ho, ho, ho!"

While most of it will be sleet today, we got about 3 inches last night I'd guess. My parents got 6-7. Everyone is bundled up and enjoying the sledding down a big hill in the neighborhood. Here's a quick video I got of the kids sledding down our driveway on our big sled from RI. It was a big hit with the neighborhood kids. Cameron is even "snowboarding" on an old skateboard missing its wheels. I didn't take many pictures because the wind and sleet was picking up.

An Unexpected Visit!

On Tuesday morning I walked in from doing some errands to find the phone ringing. It was Joe's mom telling me that Jonny had been calling. He was driving down to FL and was in VA! It was a last minute trip and he hoped to make a detour and pit stop at our house. I quickly called Joe and miraculously in the middle of a very busy week he was able to come home early to see Jonny in the few hours he would be here. Dillon and Lilly were excited as we got ready for our visitor. It cracks me up that Dillon calls him "Unkie" Jonny instead of Uncle. So he kept asking me, "When is Unkie Jonny going to be here?"

Joe and Jonny greeted Emily and Cameron at the bus stop which was quite a surprise and different from their normal routine.

The kids enjoyed showing off and playing with their Christmas toys and the Wii with Jonny and his friends. A quick bite of pizza, some rest, and a shower and they were off on their drive. At the end of the day I still couldn't believe we had just gotten to see Jon. Usually we see them once a year. What a great treat!